A respiratory device of negative pressure type comprising a shell fastened to the user's chest and/or abdomen with minimal dead space, one or more vacuum and compressed air chambers attached to the shell; vacuum generating and compressed air generating sources connected to the vacuum and compressed air chambers respectively, one or more openings on the shell to allow exchange of the air enclosed between shell and user's body, with the vacuum and compressed air chambers; a valve shuttling between the vacuum and compressed air chambers. By having low dead space, pre-generated vacuum and compressed air close to the user, and the use of fast acting valves in some embodiments, the power requirement, weight, and size are reduced, making the device low cost and portable. In some embodiments, the vacuum and compressed air generating sources can be mounted on the shell itself, making the device ambulatory.

A filter sterilization system includes an expiratory filter having filter material that collects pathogens present in the exhaled gas stream from a ventilated patient. A filter sterilizer includes an ultraviolet (UV) light source that is activated by the system to emit light towards the expiratory filter. Additionally, the system includes a ventilator coupled to a patient breathing circuit that provides a gas mixture from a gas source to the ventilated patient and transfers exhaled gases of the ventilated patient to the expiratory filter.

Systems and methods for detecting extubation of an endotracheal tube (ETT) are described. Extubation of the ETT can be identified by comparing to a threshold, a difference between a determined first volume of breathing gas during a first inspiratory period to a determined second volume of breathing gas during a second inspiratory period. If the difference exceeds the threshold, an alarm can be activated indicating extubation. Extubation detection may also be based on a difference between inspiratory pressures during separate inspiratory periods. Partial extubation and full extubation may also be discerned. Further, extubation of an ETT may be detected without the use of an exhalation flow sensor.

A compliance monitoring module for an inhaler comprising: a miniature pressure sensor, a sensor port of said sensor being configured to be pneumatically coupled to a flow channel of said inhaler through which a user can inhale; a processor configured to: receive data from a sensing element of the pressure sensor; receive data from a mode sensor configured to detect when the inhaler changes from an inactive mode to an active mode; and based on said data from said pressure sensor sensing element and said data from said mode sensor, compile a compliance report; and a transmitter configured to issue said compliance report.

An inhalation device (1) comprising a compressor (2), an aerosol generator (3) and a pressure relief valve (4), wherein the compressor (2) is configured to provide a compressed gas for the aerosol generator (3) and the pressure relief valve (4) is configured to limit a pressure in the inhalation device (1).

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to ventilation devices, systems, and methods for applying positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) to the lungs of a patient. For example, applying above atmospheric pressure to the lungs of the patient may mitigate alveolar collapse in the lungs and/or may have other health benefits for the patient.

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to devices, systems, and methods for mixing and/or blending two or more fluids, such as gases, to produce suitable mixed or blended fluids, such as a breathable gas. For example, the system may control and/or regulate flow from of first fluid from a first source and/or flow of a second fluid from a second source. The system may include a controller that may operate or direct operation of one or more valves to control the flow of the first and second fluids, thereby producing a blended or mixed fluid that has selected concentrations or proportions (or ratios) of the first and second fluids.

Methods and system for treating obstructive sleep apnea and snoring are disclosed. The system generally comprises a mask for delivering pressurized air to patient's breathing orifice, a sensing mechanism for continuously assessing the state of patient's breathing and a pressure generator for generating the pressurized air in the mask. The pressurized air is applied to the breathing orifice only during selected portions of the breathing cycle, when such pressure might be required to prevent occlusion of the airway or to restore patency of the airway after such occlusion occurs.

A system and method for providing a therapy to a subject may include a lumen configured to be coupled to a portion of a respiration passage of the subject to receive air respired by the subject. A sensor is configured to monitor the lumen and generate a signal based on the air respired by the subject. A pressure pulse delivery system is configured to deliver a pressure pulse along the lumen to the subject and a reservoir of therapeutic agent is coupled to the lumen. A processor is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, determine, from at least the signal, an exhalation period of the subject, and based on the exhalation period, cause the pressure pulse delivery system to deliver a pressure pulse to the subject. Following the pressure pulse, the processor can cause the therapeutic agent to be delivered from the reservoir.

The present invention relates to oxygen sensors for medical ventilators. A medical ventilator includes a patient circuit delivering inspiratory airflow to a patient and returning expiratory airflow from the patient back to the ventilator. A manifold includes an air flow path into the patient circuit, and a port with an opening for an oxygen sensor. When mated to the port, the oxygen sensor samples the air in the air flow path and detects the amount of oxygen in the air. When the oxygen sensor is inserted into the port, a valve is biased open, to allow airflow through the opening into the oxygen sensor during ventilation. When the oxygen sensor is removed from the port, the valve biases into a closed position covering the opening, to prevent leaks. The ventilator can then continue to operate without the oxygen sensor in place.